Growing in Grace- Links 11/22

“This conceit manifests itself in our tendency to compare ourselves to others and to measure our worth or performance against theirs. If we’re feeling pretty good about ourselves, we feel superior and proud. But if we’re feeling down about ourselves, we feel inferior and ashamed.”

“…select not anthems and tunes in which your skilfulness will be manifest, but such as will aid the people to magnify the Lord with their thanksgivings. The people come together not to see you as a songster, but to praise the Lord in the beauty of holiness. Remember also, that you are not set to sing for yourself only, but to be a leader of others, many of whom know nothing of music; therefore, choose such tunes as can be learned and followed by all, that none in the assembly may be compelled to be silent while the Lord is extolled.”

“Yet it has often struck me that here in the twenty-first century, the context for such temptation has changed substantially. This man was caught and destroyed because he left the place he should have been to go to a place he should not have been. Instead of being home he was away. Instead of staying where he would safely avoid the opportunity to sin, he went where he would knowingly encounter the opportunity to sin. The father’s solution is both wise and simple: “Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house.”

“On the outside, false prophets seem legit. They are usually excellent public speakers. They talk the Christian talk. They pray. They seem warm and approachable. They smile a lot. They might even have a theology degree and be ordained – but on the inside, they are ferocious wolves.”